[Artificial Disc Replacement / Lumbar] L4/L5, Active L, 3/17/09, Dr. Rolando Garcia

[Terry Newton]

It took me all of twenty months to start feeling really top shelf after my four level ADR surgery. See a good pain management doctor who knows what they are doing. We send people to specialists all of the time, to deal with issues and, then do not send people to a Board Certified Pain Management Specialist. Many physicians do not learn how to get pain truly under control.

Hang in there. You will get there in spite of yourself.

Terry Newton

[Justin]

Hey Kathy,

I completely understand where you are coming from. After my 2-level ADR in 2003, the recovery process was a complete roller coaster. One day you are doing great and the next day you can't get out of bed. As you progress in your recovery, the good days will start to out number the bad days and soon you'll realize that almost all of your days are good. It really took me by surprise.

The hardest part about recovery is being patient and letting things fall into place. The body heals at its own pace and it's hard not to try and speed things up.

Just remember the little victories and they will get you through your recovery. Keep feeling better and remember to take it one day at a time--slow and steady wins the race. You've come so far and you are on the road to a full recovery--how awesome is that!?!

Keep us posted, as we do care!

[Katie]

maybe walk in a pool to decompress your spine, and i hope things fall into place soon. When you can start massaging the scar tissue on your stomach too (gently) if you haven't already... i didn't do this soon enough and it's been hard to get rid of.
stay positive and best wishes,
Liz

Hi Liz, I've been following the advice you are giving and it sounds good. How soon do you think pool work should be started? We have one at home and I was wondering about the good it might do. (I'm hoping my five level surgery will be done in mid-June).

Also, regarding the massaging of the scar tissue...what effect will that have on it, and do you recommend any homeopathic creams, etc. for reducing the scarring? I don't know if you are into that sort of thing.

I have used a cream called Traumeel from the health food store that is made up completely of plant based ingredients...Calendula, Echinacea, Camomilla, etc. I used it successfully on my horse's swollen leg as advised by the vet, as it is used by Olympic riders, and then put it on my husband's hematoma and bad scrapes when he fell off the ladder last week. The large egg sized swelling was completely gone in less than twelve hours, and you could hardly see where the skin was all scratched off too. In contrast, we missed a spot on his heel that was quite raw too, and it looked the same as it did when he fell, two days later. It is amazing stuff.

What effect does massage have on the scar tissue? Just break up the connective tissue? I'd be very interested in knowing more, and how soon to start the treatment. Thanks.

[KBear]

Hey everyone, thanks for all the encouragement. Patience has never been a virtue of mine. I dare not pray for patience, as God gives it to you, by making you have it! It's alot easier for me to tell you all to take it easy and be patient, than practicing what I preach.

I am doing better and trying to be patient with myself. I feel like my body has adjusted to the lower dosage of medication (5-10mg hydrocodone a day). Some days I have been able to do only 4, while others I needed 6; but 5 on average. I am keeping the appointment that I made with my pm, as it isn't until the 26th and I will be due for my refill. I dare not see the nurse practitioner, no telling what she would do to me.

I have been making myself do my physical therapy daily and especially when I am hurting. I have found that doing some of the stretching really helps with my pain. This is very encouraging, as it seems muscular and will be able to be worked away with pt. I have resumed lifting, bending, twisting, etc. I am real careful to lift with proper body mechanics. My 3 year old is thrilled that mommy can hold her again. She asks, "mommy, why you can carry me? You back feel better?" It is really sweet. I don't seem to be having any extra pain from any of those activities. Although, bending over alot does hurt some, so I am still trying not to overdo it.

Kathy

[Terry Newton]

Kathy:

It's really good that you are pushing yourself some to do more. There is always a fine line but, my philosophy is; "Move it or lose it." I think it's great that you are taking risks or else you will not know how much more you can do the next go around. Of course this has to be done within reason. Listen to your body and, if you overdo it, rest a little before pushing yourself again. I'm glad you are able to be there for your little one. She sounds like a sweet little girl that is concerned for her mom.

Hang in there.

Terry Newton

[treefrog]

Kathy, it sounds like you are seeing improvement, little by little. It's great that you are trying to do as much as your body allows, just make sure to pay attention to what your body is telling you, and don't overdo it. Though there are bound to be times when you overdo it without realizing it. Then rest until your body is feeling better, before pushing again.

I am so glad that you are able to hold your daughter, and do more for them both. They are little cutie-pie's.

[Alastair]

I have a saying "Slow and Steady wins this race" and its true -- - recovery is NOT a race against anyone else its a steady "Pacing" which is the best (I think) for all patients) . Spine surgery is a HUGE surgery and all your nerves and ligaments and blood vessels need time to recover, and they will if you just give them time to do so.
Best
Alastair

[KBear]

I had a wonderful weekend, my pain was very under control and I felt good. I am starting to remember what I used to be like, prior to my accident. I actually got a little giddy and teary eyed doing the 15th load of laundry yesterday, not because it was the 15th load and there would be more tomorrow.... because I was actually enjoying being able to do it and was not hurting, after cleaning all day. I was able to get a lot done and didn't have to 'pay the price'. I got up this morning and felt good, have felt really good all day, got alot of stuff I needed to do done. I started wearing down around 7pm this evening; but not bad, considering I am usually worn down an hour after getting up. I am actually excited about getting up tomorrow and doing mundane stuff (that would usually overwhelm me). I am getting my LIFE back and am thrilled!

[Phylly]

Kathy,
You amaze me. You are only 8 weeks out and doing laundry, carting your kids to movies, going to PT. and helping your husband with the bookkeeping. It is no wonder that you have some tough days. We all heal at different rates and my doctor said there will be some rough times and good times while healing. You seem to be doing so well. Be careful and make sure that you do take time to rest. I know that it is a concern to still have pain but to have 60% gone is great. You have a wonderful attitude and I am sure in another month you will feel even better. Time goes so slow for us but be patient if you can.
Phylly

[Justin]

I had a wonderful weekend, my pain was very under control and I felt good. I am starting to remember what I used to be like, prior to my accident. I actually got a little giddy and teary eyed doing the 15th load of laundry yesterday, not because it was the 15th load and there would be more tomorrow.... because I was actually enjoying being able to do it and was not hurting, after cleaning all day. I was able to get a lot done and didn't have to 'pay the price'. I got up this morning and felt good, have felt really good all day, got alot of stuff I needed to do done. I started wearing down around 7pm this evening; but not bad, considering I am usually worn down an hour after getting up. I am actually excited about getting up tomorrow and doing mundane stuff (that would usually overwhelm me). I am getting my LIFE back and am thrilled!

Kathy--this is FANTASTIC news! It's been great keeping in touch and realizing just how far you have come since your pain-filled days. It's wonderful that your girls and husband are getting their Mom back and that you are actually living your life again and not just surviving from one day to the next. Just think...your recovery is only going to get better and better.

BTW, 15 loads of laundry ...you weren't kidding about the wardrobes your girls have...and this is after the huge garage sale you recently had, right?